Todd is a handsome 1 1/2-year-old Labrador who came in December for not feeling well. He started vomiting on Sunday, and on Monday, his symptoms got worse. Todd could not keep any food or water down for longer than 30 minutes. His appetite has also decreased significantly, and he was not as active as usual. Dr. Carmo saw him, and we discovered that Todd, like many other young dogs, liked to eat things he was not supposed to. After a thorough exam, Dr. Carmo noticed an uncomfortable abdomen. Because of that, radiographs were required, and right away, we could see an obstructive pattern with a small piece of metal in his intestines. Todd was admitted for hospitalization, and due to the severity of his symptoms, surgery had to be done that same night. However, before surgery, Dr. Carmo and Dr. Petersen had to make sure he was stable by performing blood work to assess organ function and an electrocardiogram to assess heart function. Thankfully, all of those were normal, and surgery was initiated. This type of procedure is always started as an exploratory to find out the exact location of the obstruction, ensuring no more than one obstruction MEET TODD THE LAB! We Took Metal Out of His Belly
SAM’S CORNER
Hi there! It’s your friendly neighborhood pup, Sam, here to bring the start of tick season to your attention. Ticks are annoying and a threat to our health — every sniff and step we take is to avoid these pesky parasites. Despite our best efforts, ticks sometimes manage to hitch a ride on our fur and cause problems. Knowing when your furry friends get ticks and starting effective treatment is vital for keeping us safe. Know the Signs Noticing the signs of tick infestations within our fur is so important. Common signs include excessive scratching, sleepiness, and, in severe cases, joint pain and difficulty walking. Quickly identifying these signs means our friends at Petersen Pet Hospital can help minimize the harm to your furry friend’s health. Tackling Tick Season
Prevention Pet parents can avoid worrying about ticks by using topical or oral treatments designed to repel and
kill ticks. These treatments contain active ingredients like fipronil, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen (pretty big words for this pup!) that build a “shield” against ticks right on our skin. But even if you take these precautions, you should still check your pet after they’ve spent time outside. Ticks are often found in less furry areas where it’s easier to attach, so check between toes and near ears, even if we’re super wriggly about it.
Removal If you do find a tick on us, immediately remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin’s surface and pull up with steady and even pressure. These steps must be followed, or you risk an incomplete
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FROZEN DOG TREATS Leafy greens are packed with essential nutrients for dogs, and your pooch will love these green pupsicles for St. Patrick’s Day and all year long.
removal. A complete removal reduces the risk of Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. (More big words for this dog, phew! I deserve a treat after this.) Once removed, dip the tick in isopropyl alcohol, seal it in a zip-close bag, and note the date you found it. Ensure to wash your hands and clean your pet’s wound with antiseptic to prevent possible infections. Bring Them In Of course, I have to recommend bringing your pet to Petersen Pet Hospital! If you’re worried you didn’t fully remove a tick or are too nervous to do it yourself, the docs can ensure your pet is cared for. Call the office with any questions, and the humans there will gladly help. I’ll be making my rounds and making sure your furry friend is calm, but I can offer cuddles when you come in! And to my furry friends, don’t worry! Your paw-rents have gotcha covered!
Inspired by BeaglesAndBargains.com
2
Contact us! 319-743-0554
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator